Járnviðr

Secundus’ lip twitched at Wulfric’s rebuttal. It almost amused him, at the same time as it stoked his anger at this interloper. Yes, he supposed it had been he who initially broached the subject- and who had provoked that poisonous thought process? Regardless, it was high past time to move on. With that, he settled in to listen to mindless prattle about food preferences and such matters. He could calm down here, in his own domus. His slaves stood, prepared to meet his every need; if he demanded they throw this man out, they would. His posture relaxed, some tension leaving his shoulders and hands. This was a perfectly ordinary meeting, not a fistfight, and it did not require him to sit so uncomfortably. “My wife does not tell me much of her tastes or preferences. I believe she enjoys your vegetables well enough- your employer’s, rather. Perhaps you should provide us an equal amount of both, to please both dominus and domina equally.” He thought for a moment, and wondered just how much this service did for them. It was an odd question to ask, he knew, but Secundus wanted to know that people who worked for him were spending their time well in his service. Besides, he had intended to bring the conversation back to food. Unfortunately, he was not the best conversationalist. “Where do your vegetables come from? Is it a difficult process, procuring them for us?” @Atrice

Secundus listened intently to Wulfric’s description of his time in Germania, but the man claimed to have seen few Roman prisoners. The Chatti were friends with Rome, now. Of course. And he and Tertius had mended the rift between them! Very likely. The man soon changed the topic, however, suggesting that he needed to return to work. Secundus exhaled sharply, turning his head away. “Yes, of course. Work. You mentioned to my slave that you wished to speak to me- I assume it was about the food, and not your home. Please, speak freely about whatever it is you came here to ask me. Go on,” Secundus urged, with an inappropriate intensity for such a simple topic. He cleared his throat, leaning back. He would stay calm; this man had done nothing, and he had allowed a fit of paranoia to take over. Best not to acknowledge it further. This man was simply a foreigner; suspicious in his own right, but not in any way connected to the Germania Secundus remembered. He would not like anyone to think poorly of him because of an association with his sister or brother, let alone with Rome at large. @Atrice

Secundus waved off the man’s false humility. Wherever they were, Secundus knew what privilege looked like. This man was comfortable with his station. Had they recently been to war, they might have captured Wulfric as a slave- or their enemies might have captured Secundus, something which did not bear thinking about. The idea of recapture- he might as well kill himself now. No, if Rome went to war with Germania, Secundus would be staying far from the battlefield, and men like Wulfric would walk through Rome as though they owned the place, rather than she owned them. “No need for gratitude. You provided us this food, so you’re welcome to a taste of it. That is the cycle of life, is it not? Besides, I suspect you have some standing of your own at home, and while Rome may not honor that, I am a generous man. And perhaps firm, but good, as well.” While in truth, generosity (nor goodness) did not explain Secundus’ behavior, his curiosity motivated him to keep Wulfric in the domus. He wanted to know more about this man and his people- and especially the ‘coincidence’ of their meeting, which he increasingly doubted was anything but intentional subterfuge. This man had arranged to be here- was he even working for the merchants who supplied his household the food? Secundus had invited a mysterious foreigner into his home- would he soon be made to regret that? He considered his physical prowess- much diminished, since his youth. He examined Wulfric, who seemed much younger and fitter. He would lose in a direct fight against this man. He could not afford that. He would keep the other slaves close, so at least if it did come to violence, he could use them as shields to ensure is escape. “My time in Germania was…longer than I would have liked. Very few men are kind to the prisoners they capture. I suppose I ought to be grateful that they didn’t kill me,” Secundus said, laughing sardonically. He would rather have liked to see those men’s heads on platters, part of the food spread out for Wulfric to enjoy. "I wonder, how many prisoners would you have seen, in your days with the Chatti?" @Atrice

Secundus bit his lip to hide his discomfort and distaste. Although this accent was not exactly the same as the one he remembered, the similarity made his blood boil. The idea that he could have liked Germania! This man did not know the sleeping wolf he had stepped on. He continued to make innocuous statements that brought to mind the haze of those days during his confinement. As if in response to the memory of hunger, his stomach grumbled. Secundus nodded sharply, attempting to clear his head of ghosts. “You,” he said, pointing at one of the slaves. “Bring my guest some food from what he just delivered to us. Prepare something that might remind him of Germania,” Secundus said, knowing full well the slave would have no idea what he meant. He didn’t either. What would remind him of Germania? Starvation and force-feeding. Slop. The recurring question, cropping up in his mind, about whether he would be fed, or whether the feeding would stop. The fear that he was turning into something less than Roman, less than patrician, less than human- a slave to his baser urges. “Pork, perhaps,” he added as the meek little thing scurried off to bring them some food. Secundus gazed into the distance, eyes gliding past Wulfric and past the room, back to the atrium. He did not need reminders of his time in Germania, and yet, here one sat, expecting welcome in his domus. Disgust, of course, dominated the emotions that rose above his momentary lapse into painful memories. “Tell me about your people, the Chatti,” Secundus practically spat. “What are they like? What are their virtues? Their vices.” @Atrice

MENELAUS 30 | 09 January 54 CE| Slave | Charioteer | Bisexual | Wanted (https://www.aeternaromarpg.com/topic/6131-white-faction-membersroles/ | Jack Huston Personality. Spontaneous, creative, and introspective, Menelaus concerns himself with the stories people tell about each other. He loves to connect with new people and charm them. He easily moves past old hurts, and often turns bad stories into better ones in his memory. He is not very capable of feeling guilt, nor resentment. He has accepted his lot in life, and has very little interest in freedom for his own sake. He has not planned for the future; he believes he will die before he has any children, or finds a wife, and so he does not look forward. He is interested in having positive experiences and in making genuine connections, but not in speculating, predicting, or worrying. He tends towards selflessness by reflex, rather than compassion- helping others is natural when each person has their own valuable, interesting story that he is only briefly intersecting. Menelaus works quite hard in his racing life, in the hopes of enjoying the pleasures of life when he is not racing. He is a lover of the senses: he likes taking baths, eating food, and sleeping peacefully. If there is anything Menelaus envies the patrician class for, it is that they are physically comfortable. He does not need longevity, or an easy life, but he wishes to find some sort of reward that brings him joy. Appearance At about six feet tall, Menelaus towers over the average person. His hair is cropped short. His muscular arms and legs advertise his profession, while his golden-brown skin advertises his Greek heritage. He sports a slight beard, fancying it another distinguishing factor of many that separates him from any other person that could be seen in the street. Although he is now renowned for his numerous victories in the races, Menelaus bears marks of past injuries, in the form of one of his fingers. It is bent oddly, from a fracture that never set properly. Most of the time, Menelaus wears the appropriate clothing for a racer of the White faction. Family Father: Unknown Mother: Philis Siblings: N/A Spouse: N/A Children: N/A Extended family: Unknown History Born to a slave mother and a slave father, Menelaus is descended from at least two generations of Greek slaves, according to the records. The story that he always told himself was that his ancestors were captured in battle, and that in his role as a charioteer, he is making them proud. Meneleaus grew up without many other skills or education. His physical prowess (an early growth spurt, combined with a general comfort with his senses and balance) fast-tracked him to life as a charioteer. Menelaus trained hard to improve. A plodding, determined sort, he was able to turn his talents into skills. Having avoided life as an ordinary laborer or body slave, Menelaus mostly associated with fellow charioteers, and the odd fan who found the sport fascinating. Such attention was not always positive, but all of it was flattering. By age 18, Menelaus had begun cementing his reputation- and stardom, of sorts. He rose through the ranks, impressing audiences and fellow competitors alike. He loved the attention and comfort that his new position brought to him, even if the consequences of such a taxing profession on his body were severe. Many of his friends and rivals died throughout the next ten years, as their roles as charioteers were unforgiving. He no longer likes to get attached to the others, especially the youngest. He spends most of his time cavorting with those who watch the matches and would like the notch on their bedpost that a charioteer would make. He does not expect to ever leave this life behind. While he has saved towards retirement as best as he can, even by 28, Menelaus had barely any savings. In the past two years, Menelaus has sensed the coming end which he so keenly fears. He knows that charioteers often come to ignominious ends- crushed underfoot as their own chariots careen off without them, in more than one case. Besides that, his body is wearing down with age. Each day, he can feel time slipping by. His own tendency towards laziness and desire for a comfortable life get in the way of his desperate, last-ditch efforts to squeeze whatever he can out of his career as a racer. He uses most of his time now trying to make connections with plebians (or even patricians) who might be able to employ him if he ever buys his freedom- and drinking to distract himself from the specter of death on the horizon. Járnviðr | EST | Discord (Járnviðr#1573)

Secundus gritted his teeth. The impertinence! Of course he had known that catching this thief would be difficult, but the idea that there was no trail, no clues that could lead him to the person who had just- taken from him like this- Secundus reminded himself that this was not his slave. It was not his business how this ‘Rufus’ behaved. He would behave appropriately, as befitted a senator. Any anger he felt was not a matter of public debate. He would return home and punish his own slaves, instead, for whatever it was that they had done wrong today. He could control his own anger better than this- he was not some kind of animal. He had not left behind his self-control in Germania. “Of course. Does your master realize how helpful you can be?” Secundus said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Thank you for your time." With that, Secundus turned on his heel and stalked off.

Secundus narrowed his eyes as he watched the man take his place. He looked too comfortable to be an ordinary plebian. He wondered what the man’s life had been like before he came to Rome. He did not comport himself the way someone more accustomed to honoring his betters would behave. He moved with a princely bearing that betrayed some life of comfort and power. Secundus knew nothing of the Germanic people that had captured him, besides their cruelest behavior. He wondered if this man’s politeness hid an unrefined, baser appetite for violence underneath. He wondered what it might take to draw it out. The man admitted that he had not learned to write, which only fueled Secundus’ speculation more. Perhaps that was normal, among the foreigners in their city; Secundus had not ventured much socially, so he did not know. Perhaps now he would, if only to unlock the cipher of this stranger who dared interrupt his time. “My appetites lean away from grains and vegetables.” Secundus said, his voice becoming silky smooth. “Perhaps I simply prefer to demonstrate my wealth. Or perhaps my palate had changed, after my time in Germania. Have you heard the rumors?” Secundus did not specify what rumors Wulfric might have heard. Almost every person in Rome had the chance to hear the rumors of the uncivilized head of the Varus family, who had returned from Germania a changed man. He allayed the suspicions of most of the senators, because in public, he could maintain enough distance between the truth at the center of him and his surface behavior to pass for an ordinary patrician. Underneath…Aglaea, Livia, and Tertius knew well what Secundus was like. They had seen how volatile his moods could be. They knew of his impatience, his temper, and his hunger for confrontation. What food did he like? The only food a man could like after his time in Germania. “Meat,” Secundus answered sharply, cutting through Wulfric’s thoughts. “Pork, more specifically.” @Atrice

Secundus frowned as the man spoke. His guest’s accented speech sounded familiar. Quite unlike the Romans that Secundus surrounded himself with every day, it reminded Secundus of times gone by. A foreigner, and not just any foreigner.. Secundus took in the man’s lighter skin and eyes, as well as his beard- he had clearly not lived among Romans for long. This man had come from Germania. “Welcome, Wulfric. Please, take a seat so that we may speak more comfortably.” Secundus called for the servants, who led the foreigner further into his domus. He remained in the atrium for a moment, recovering his composure. Who was this man, who dared to revive painful memories simply by his very presence in his domus? Had this man been one of his torturers? The chieftain of one of their uncivilized tribes? Perhaps he had witnessed some of Secundus’ time there. Perhaps he had participated. Secundus took a deep breath and went inside to join his guest. “My wife and I have been quite satisfied with the food. We have no complaints. What is it your employer needs to know from his customers? Please, ask your questions,” Secundus said, venom infusing his words. @Atrice

Secundus had been dreaming of a happier future. Ever since Aglaea’s revelations about her pregnancy, he had felt a glimmer of hope towards his legacy, and the legacy of the Varus family. Although Tertius had openly paraded the shameful product of his liaison with his slave, Secundus would legitimize the child as his heir secretly, without the world learning just who the mother had been. Certainly, it would take logistical wrangling, but the three of them could retire to his villa and manage things from there. He had longed for a child with Livia, and finally, her body slave had given them a solution. Although Secundus had remained in Rome since the earthquake, he intended to retreat to the villa as soon as possible. Livia needed to ‘become pregnant’, after all, and he did not like her having as much free rein to roam as she did in the city. For now, though, he performed his senatorial duties from his family’s home. Sometimes, Secundus felt the presence of the Varus clan- its history, and its untold future, pressing down upon him. He thought of his parents with respect and resentment, his brother with envy and anger, his sister with impatience and pity, and his niece and nephew with confusion and fondness. Secundus did not feel uncomplicated emotions about anyone in his family. They plagued him with worries and inconveniences. Sometimes he wondered if man would be better served living and maturing alone in the wilderness than surrounded by these suffocating shackles of civilization. One of the household slaves interrupted his thoughts to tell him that he had a visitor. Secundus waved dismissively, saying that he did not want to meet with any interlopers who had come to gawk at the mad senator- for despite his decent behavior in public, his reputation had left the realms of private meetings with individual senators and entered the rumor mill. However, the slave returned to meekly inform him that this particular visitor persisted. Well enough. Secundus would allow him entry, and this stranger could see for himself how Secundus behaved when someone wasted his time. According to the slave, this visitor wished to speak to the master of the house about the food that had been delivered. She could not explain precisely what this man intended to bother him with, and had begun to stammer when he pressed her on the issue. Finally, Secundus had dismissed her impatiently. He stalked into the atrium to confront this man who had hassled his slaves. “Well? What is it that requires the attention of the dominus?” @Atrice

Despite his distance from the two women, Secundus could not help but keep an eye on them. Watching Livia and Vibia lob insults back and forth provided much-needed entertainment during a party that did not have enough of it. If only he had hired a musician! Secundus pretended to listen to the man in front of him, nodding and speaking only when it was required. None of these men had ever suffered violence at the hands of captors; they would be much more adept at detecting the shifting moods and interests of the person across from them. The same skills that Secundus had learned in order to survive his imprisonment were useless or even distracting, here. He paid attention to the intent of these soft, old men, who did not mean him any harm, and thus found it difficult to attend to any less important matters. Offense, fury, and aggression were the only things Secundus bothered to acknowledge in others, ever since his return. One of the senators asked about his wife, and their future children; they circled his family like harpies, looking for weakness. Secundus refused to admit any, deftly steering the conversation away from any fault of his own. Here, when he did not need to show any kindness, think carefully, or consider another’s point of view, Secundus exceled. It was the one-on-one, intimate settings where he brushed others the wrong way, where they felt the beast moving beneath his polite façade. Although he could not hear their conversation from here, he could make out Vibia’s shrug, and Livia’s indication of her stola. Womanly topics, then. He awaited the moment when they discussed something more interesting as he waited through the tedium of his senatorial peers. @Sara @Liv

Uninterested in accepting Tertius’ implied critique of his approach thus far, Secundus continued eating rather than look at his brother. Longinus continued to irk him with his commentary on their relationship, as though such a personal, family matter was worth discussing in this company. Still, the man seemed an appropriate husband for Sergia, if only he would recognize that. Meeting the girl wouldn’t hurt anyone, and this stubbornness struck Secundus as the immature folly of youth; once upon a time, he would rather have brawled and drank than met potential matches, but then circumstances had required marriage- and besides, Germania had taken the fight out of him. In an arena like this, he still had some bite in him. To protect his family’s honor and legacy, of course Secundus dared to question this man’s reputation in his own domus. Naturally, the man showed discomfort immediately, as though caught in a spider’s web or a snake’s gullet. Secundus smiled involuntarily, as though it was a reflex to enjoy another man squirming. Longinus appeared to have a spine, as he fired back a volley of his own, citing a simple mistake based on a seemingly good match marred by familial and monetary issues. The younger senator launched into a critical assessment of the Varus clan, with its ‘overzealous mothers and fathers’, and about whether Sergia was ‘suitable’. Secundus’ smile did not falter, though; this part, he quite liked. Roasting his enemy on a spit, watching them burn- he took another bite of the tender meat Longinus had provided for them. “Suitability can only be judged by the suitor,” Secundus said simply, because anything more complicated would trigger an eruption of his anger that simmered under the surface. He looked at his food, and nodded at Tertius, hoping the fool could work with him for once, rather than against him. He just needed a moment to cool his head; let Tertius converse with this frustrating man for a moment. They shared a goal, and this was about Sergia’s future. Tertius tended to take the most plebian choice, though, so perhaps he would purposely misunderstand Secundus and fail their family again. "Livia and I would be happy to host a dinner for you and Sergia." @Atrice @Sara

Secundus flared his nostrils, more like a bull seeing red than a man discussing his niece’s marriage. Tertius had interrupted a perfectly nice conversation, and for what? Reminding him how long it had been without his niece or his sister having accepted any of the suggestions he had given them. Controlling the Varus women continued to prove difficult. At least Tertius seemed motivated to help Sergia. Perhaps, in this one arena, they could work together to accomplish a shared goal. Or at least, they might have been able to, if not for the lout, Longinus, commenting on their tension. A squabble? To simplify the bitter feud between Tertius and himself as though it was something petty! Secundus had lost respect for his brother over his conduct with his family, and his failure to secure their clan’s future. None of that was petty. Longinus was right that he could not understand what it was like having a sibling. His frustration mounted as the man continued, trying to paper over the tension in the room with a paltry smile. What sort of man worked this hard to avoid conflict? Limp, weak. Despicable. Was this to be Sergia’s future husband, then? “You can come to our villa. I will invite Sergia there to join my wife and I for a day, and you may join us there as well. We will have dinner, and we can allow the two of you to become more familiar with one another. I do wonder, though, Longinus…if you fell for an unsuitable lady once before, how do you intend to be sure of any future prospects?” @Sara @Atrice

Secundus ignored the wine for now. Eating brought him a rare sort of pleasure that had survived contact with his time away. Even as a prisoner, food had never become something they could turn against him. Not for lack of trying, he thought. When Longinus spoke, he finally distracted himself from the food with great reluctance. Did opposites attract? He supposed it was a helpful saying, for those who concerned themselves with attraction. Attraction had never solved much of anything, in his experience, although perhaps these younger men had their own experience that he would never know. That was the way of the world, for older men to pass on an leave the world for the younger to inherit. Sergia herself would soon join the other matrons of Rome, if married; if not…he did not wish to think of that. His own sister had continued to refuse his suggestions, much as Sergia still did. If only he could get a hold of his clan, then Secundus could rest easy. When the man continued on, though, and addressed Tertius, Secundus adopted a sour expression. Why ask his brother, when this matter concerned Sergia and her paterfamilias? Rather than give Tertius a chance to speak, Secundus interjected. His brother had already mishandled the family through his negligence, so Secundus needed to apply a heavier hand to this affair. “If you overlooked Sergia due to my brother’s description of her, or if you feel reluctance on the basis of mine, do not hesitate. Meeting a potential bride is the best way to become sure of her. As for whether opposites attract- if maturity is something you lack, Longinus, I would advise finding a wife who has a surplus of it. Opposites may not attract- that is a matter of beauty, and the ineffable qualities a woman displays when you meet her- but they do complement one another. Find a wife who gives you what you do not already have. Sergia has not married already because Tertius and I have paraded many unsuitable suitors past her, and we allowed our,” mutual hatred, Secundus thought venomously, “petty squabbles to get in the way of selecting a good marriage for her. Please, meet her, and judge for yourself.” Wisdom, spoken as though he understood anything of the matters of marriage and wives. Secundus had faced difficulties with Livia since the start of their marriage, and he did not understand the woman’s mind at all. Yet, when it came to speaking to outsiders, some part of him remembered the old lessons he had learned as a young man, and the words that might convince Longinus came. Secundus did not know if anything he had just said was true, but it felt like what a Roman would say. He supposed he was, after all that had happened to him, still a Roman. @Atrice @Sara

At Longinus’ gesture, Secundus satisfied himself with a single glare at Tertius before following the man to the triclinium. He admired the spread for a moment. Not all men knew how to entertain their guests without a woman’s eye to help them. Those as young as Longinus often failed at behaving appropriately, as they required a woman’s touch to mellow them. Secundus approved of a man who could perform necessary duties without the help of someone to temper him; it spoke well of him, that he did not laze around in want of a wife. The man confirmed that this meeting concerned their family, and Sergia specifically. Secundus resisted the urge to celebrate already; this battle had yet to be won. He must convince Longinus that Sergia would make a good match, when he must have other options. A young, handsome senator did not lack in options, when it came to selecting a marriage. He thought of Sergia, and considered how best to present her virtues to this potential suitor. He could not start by complimenting her beauty; surely, every family insisted that their daughter looked the comeliest. Tertius, of course it came back to Tertius. Secundus had momentarily forgotten his brother, but of course that could not be allowed. Longinus mentioned some previous conversation with him, and Secundus wondered scornfully why the marriage had not already been settled. Incompetent fool. This should have always been a matter decided by him, and not Tertius, with his soft touch and weak will. “Sergia is unlike other women. She has a maturity and caution that comes to most women later in life, yet her confidence belies her youth. She is fond of reading, I believe, though she is less fond of her uncle,” he jokes, although as far as Secundus can tell, it is true that Sergia dislikes his meddling. “Have you not yet had the chance to meet her, Longinus?” Secundus takes some food and wine, only beginning to eat once he’s finished speaking. Despite this pretense of propriety, though, Longinus may notice that his manners around food are somewhat boorish; Secundus does not eat with the care customary among senators. It would not take a stretch of the imagination to believe that Secundus learned how to eat around barbarians and not Romans. @Atrice @Sara

As Secundus stepped inside, confident that things were finally going his way, he spotted his brother. What was Tertius doing here? What right did he have to intrude, when Sergia's marriage was his business, as paterfamilias? Unless he had misunderstood Longinus' intentions for inviting him here. Was this meeting about senate business, and not his niece's marriage? He stewed for a moment, distracted by this thought. How dare the man invite his brother, when any Roman knew of their mutual enmity! Secundus joined the two men in their standing, wasting time with pleasantries. He would need to offer some of his own, despite this obvious insult; whether senatorial or famillial matters were at stake, it was certainly a meeting of some important if Longinus had invited both Varus brothers to his domus, knowing their reputation. "Tertius, what a surprise to see you here. Longinus, you did not mention that you were inviting the both of us here. This is somewhat of a family reunion. How are you, brother? And your wi- I'm sorry, my mistake. How is your son?" Secundus did not smile. He had not intention of allowing Tertius to insult him again, not in front of another senator. Besides, surely they could put aside their differences for one evening? Secundus did not expect Tertius to see reason, the mangy cur. He looked to Longinus, lips a thin hard line as he struggled to find words polite enough for the needs of the situation. No smile came, and the words remained out of reach. Well enough. He would speak honestly, and hope that his candor would not insult or offend Longinus over-much. "Longinus, if you could tell us why were have been invited here today? I admit, I have my own guesses. Does this concern our family, or our senate?" @Atrice @Sara

After years of worry about how to best arrange his sister’s and niece’s marriages, Secundus had finally had a golden opportunity dropped in his lap. This invitation from Longinus bore great promise. If a young senator married Sergia, half of Secundus’ problems (and the number had grown, recently, after that disastrous party and Livia’s increasing acerbic coldness) would disappear. With a potential solution within sight, Secundus approached the man’s domus with something describable as a smile on his lips. Despite his wife’s distance, he would soon have a child, and if today’s conversation went well, he would have a husband for his niece. His family’s fortunes were looking up. Not one for pleasantries (especially since his return from war), Secundus barely waited for the slave to greet him before expecting entry. He did not intend to allow this man to slip through his fingers. He would arrange this marriage to ensure his family’s prospects. No matter what his brother claimed, Secundus care deeply about his family’s legacy- unlike Tertius himself, who care only about his line of inheritance, Secundus wished to see his sister and her children properly wed, as well. The slave seemed scared of his behavior, but Secundus did not care. This meeting was important, and he would not be waylaid at the door. “I am Senator Secundus Quinctilius Varus. I have been invited by your master. Speak with him so that I may enter.” Secundus would never order another man's slaves as though they were his own, but he had to admit there was a special thrill in issuing commands to Longinus' slaves. As a guest, he had been granted that right. He supposed it was improper, since they belonged to Longinus, but that made it all the more satisfying. Besides, if a senator could not command slaves, something had gone terribly wrong. His lip curled in dark amusement as he waited for the slave to go inside and announce his arrival. @Sara @Atrice

Secundus simply sighed at her response. Of course Livia would throw that back in his face, as though he had ever shown disinterest in her affairs. Most of his attention, until recent months, had been on her and her numerous, ever-changing emotional states. If singing had put a smile on her face, he would have loved to listen, rather than watch her sour face and hear her stoic silence as he continued to push for them to finally ensure an heir. In her grief, the woman had refused to do her duty, and even now that he had taken action to relieve her of it, she seemed to be unhappy with that as well. Did she want him to enter her bed, or to keep out of her chambers? It seemed the woman could not make up her mind. She scarcely seemed to understand how much he had sacrificed by taking her slave to bed in her stead. Until they produced a child, Livia would continue to treat him as though he had failed as a husband. Still, as she walked away, he thought that perhaps he had won some ground back. Now that she knew that he would appreciate her singing, perhaps she would bring some music into their life. After all, that was the purpose of this exercise. Vibia gave him what he desired because that was her purpose, while Livia was unwilling to do hers. Secundus intended to carry out his duties, even if his wife would not, but he thought that confronting her with Vibia had already had an effect. She seemed interested in her, waiting towards the woman and waiting for her song to conclude before speaking. He wondered what they might say about him, when they were left to their own devices, but resisted the urge to listen in. Gossiping was women's work. He attended to the other guests, letting the esteemed men of the senate bore him as the two women spoke. @Liv @Sara

As guests demanded some of his wife’s attention, Secundus began to greet them properly. This part of the evening bored him. He knew that he must maintain these relationships in order to perform his senatorial duties, but these old men bored him with their talk. In truth, Secundus found himself tiring of life as he continued to age with the ceaseless march of time. He hoped that he would not need to continue for much longer after fathering an heir. For the moment, anyway, the interesting portion of the evening was broken up by pointless prattle. Drinking wine to keep himself in a healthily ebullient mood, Secundus discussed gladiatorial matches, modern politics, recent marriages, and the like. These old men gossiped just like the women that Livia flitted about with. He wished there were men who understood what was important in life, but not a single one of them had attended this party. Vibia knew how to talk to him; perhaps that, as much as he other skills, was what he paid her for. He nodded as politely as he could manage while gritting his teeth. When they found a spare moment to share in one another’s lovely company, Secundus listened to his wife’s comment. Had she already decided to take offense at merely meeting Vibia? Perhaps this had gone better than he initially expected. He wondered which, if any, of their guests had guessed her other skillset- the women might be less likely to, he thought, although perhaps Livia’s vanity caused her to assume that they would discover it somehow. Did she expect him to answer honestly, and give the game away so soon? “Vibia is a lovely woman,” he said in lieu of answering Livia's question. “Trust me when I say that she sings with a heavenly voice. Why do you never sing for me?” @Liv@Sara

Secundus listened to the man’s description of the guard’s training regimen inattentively. Although he admired Gaius for his role, the details of the process did not interest him. He did note Gaius’ mention of his service in Britannia. He wondered whether he had learned anything worthwhile. Secundus waited for Gaius to finish speaking before raising an arm. One of the servers approached, and he ordered more food for them both- a spiced meat dish for himself. He gestured for Gaius to select something for himself. Returning to their conversation, Secundus realized that Gaius had asked him a question. A demonstration? Secundus felt the old ache of his injury, sustained in Germania. Yes, perhaps he would like to see a demonstration. The praetorian guard stood between the Roman machine and those who intended to do it harm. Secundus wanted to know whether he could trust in the stability of this place. Matters in his household continued to worsen, and he would enjoy standing on firmer ground for once. Perhaps these young warriors could offer more comfort than his treacherous wife. “A demonstration of their skills would please me greatly. Do you believe your men are prepared for an outside observer to pass judgment?” @Echo

Secundus studied his wife’s face as she insulted Vibia’s makeup. She averted her gaze, looking at the walls rather than their guest. A shame that he would have to miss whatever expression she might make, but he would have many more opportunities. Vibia was already proving herself a master at provoking Livia. She had mentioned her time in Antiochia simply to undermine the other woman’s skills. Even the use of the phrase ‘ply your trade’ was designed to wound her. His lip curled up into a smile. Vibia had much tougher skin than that. She would need to bring more than catty remarks to bear against a woman of Domus Venus. Basking in Vibia’s wry smile, Secundus watched as the two competed. Their conversation was a competitive sport, with each woman taking turns trying to prove herself to the other- despite, he thought with some amusement, lacking any interest in him. He had made the right decision to invite Vibia here today, since it drew out this side of Livia. He had missed seeing this ferocity when it was turned against someone besides him. Hearing Vibia directly call Livia’s bluff, and address the painted elephant in the room only made his smile widen. He made no attempt to hide his pleasure in watching them go back and forth. Vibia finally made a move to leave as the other guests arrived, and he schooled his smirk into something more politic. “Of course. I would be happy to facilitate this friendship. The two of you share much in common.” @Liv @Sara

Secundus gave no indication that he recognized the irrationality of his paranoia. If his suspicions tarred all slaves in Rome with the same brush, he would investigate every single one of them. For now, that meant scrutinizing Rufus. The young man seemed to be certain of him assessment. Could he really trust him? Secundus huffed, not willing to admit that he had overreacted to a minor theft. Listening to Rufus calmly describe the scenario, though, the mundanity of it all continued to stare him in the face. Only a few sesterces- he could accept the loss without losing sleep over it. He should do so. Secundus stewed in his impotent rage, despite what might be the preferred method of coping with such a loss. He wanted to strangle the criminal that had stolen from him, and Rufus was his last clue, the last possible chance to find out who had done this. He could not simply let the grievance go. He refused to. “Nevertheless,” he spat out, unable to resist letting anger color his voice. “You have seen nothing else? Nothing useful?” @Sharpie

Secundus listened attentively. Unlike his colleagues, who repeatedly disrespected Rome and its institutions, Gaius valued his role as citizen and soldier. What made him respectable and respectful also made him gullible. Secundus feared that he would compromise himself unduly- especially as naïve as he seemed around women. He ought to give the younger man some advice on how to comport himself. Perhaps he would appreciate words of wisdom from someone with many more years of experience. “Hearing your assessment of the guard gladdens me. I had heard poor things- and seen evidence of a decline in quality myself- but I am grateful to you for your service to Rome and to the emperor. I commend your dedication to the necessity of the eternal battle.” Secundus had, himself, grown softer than his prime years. Although his head often pounded with a bloodlust that senatorial combat could never satisfy, he had stayed off the battlefield. Perhaps he should return to it. All able-bodied men of sound mind should be prepared for it. His mind remained sound, hang anyone who said otherwise. If there was anything to teach here, it was about preserving one’s mind despite the onslaught of violence- which an active soldier knew better than did an aging politician. Not much to offer Gaius after all. “How do you train them? Commanding soldiers is a lost art,” he said carefully. Secundus did not intend to offend the man, and in his experience, most soldiers were easy to offend. They rose to anger quickly- something he knew quite well, as a man with quite a temper himself. Even in this conversation, he felt his skin prickle at comments uttered without intended malice. @Echo

Secundus stared stonily at Livia throughout her outburst, a sense of dread creeping up his spine. He did not see children as toys. He merely wanted to ensure his family’s legacy. He ignored her dirty look as she left the room. The gods watched over his marriage as with any other. Whatever they willed, he would accept the result. He was certain that they did not will him to die without leaving behind a child; it was Livia’s willfulness that had required these machinations. Secundus looked at Aglaea, a smile playing on his face. She had been the source of some comfort, and now she would give them a child. Sometimes the gods’ blessings came unexpectedly, from surprising quarters. He wondered what the child might look like; enough of his dark hair and skin to disguise the mother’s identity, he hoped. Otherwise, this plan would become much more difficult to carry out. Still, for the first time in years, Secundus found himself looking forward to the future. “May I be excused?”, she asked, and of course, Secundus could allow her that much. She was giving the Varus family a great gift. With the slave and his wife gone, Secundus set himself to planning for the child’s arrival. There were many things he would need to do to prepare for an heir to his name. THE END

Secundus smirked. The sound of her disdain got his blood pumping harder. While he once hoped for a marriage, instead he'd found himself in a skirmish; he knew how to survive those much better, anyway. He scarcely mourned the loss of the wide-eyed, foolish dreams of his youth; Germania had crushed them long before Livia came along to spit on their grave. Secundus glanced over at Aglaea, only to find her by the window. He narrowed his eyes at her back, but said nothing. He turned back to Livia. "That seems to be the best that we can hope for. Aglaea's baby tragically dies unborn, while ours survives. Aglaea, you will serve as our child's nurse- for as long as your mistress sees fit." Then, he looked back at Aglaea, offering a determined smile. He half-expected Livia to say her body slave should have the entire raising of their child, and hang tradition. Secundus thought that she would eventually come to see reason, even if it took applying to Tertius for his help controlling her. He would need to find a way to keep Horatia busy- drive her and her sister further apart. Livia could keep her distracted, if she were willing; she knew better than he how to upset Horatia. "Perhaps you can argue with Horatia. Speak the truths which you have hidden from her for too long. Do this at the right time, and she will stay away long enough for the child to be born." @Liv @Echo

Secundus stayed close to Livia. Although they rarely touched one another, he wanted to imply that they were husband and wife in more than just name alone. He performed for the benefit of the other guests- Vibia would not be fooled, nor did he aspire to fool her. Her job was to wedge them apart, provoking Livia's jealous rage- for all that she expressed no interest in her husband, she could not want him to stray. His eyes twinkled as he realized what Vibia was doing. Secundus admired her brazen attempts to unbalance Livia. Ignoring the domina within her own domus- between that and her revealing clothing, Vibia had selected tonight's presentation perfectly. He watched, enamored, as she spoke of his history with music. He was sure that he had missed some carefully-concealed, womanly barb that was not meant for men to understand. He would watch Livia's reaction to determine how pointed Vibia's words had been. As Vibia complimented their home, Secundus began to put on the usual veneer of proper host: although charisma was not part of his natural talents, Secundus had long displayed a professional, proper demeanor around senators and other patricians. Vibia knew better than to believe it- she had seen his true nature- and Livia, too, be disgusted rather than impressed. Still. The guests needed to believe that he was a proper Roman. "I hope that you find tonight's venue quite satisfactory, Vibia. I know that perhaps you have ventured into more exotic places in previous performances, but I hope that your role as my greatest act of devotion to the gods will suffice. Livia, have you ever heard Vibia play? Certainly someone as" -prissy, vain, selfish- "discerning as yourself must have listened to a musician of her caliber. One one of your trips into Rome, you must have taken in the arts." @Sara @Liv